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Alchemy Lodge No. 7956

Consecrated 10th February 1964


Meeting at: Johannesburg - Freemasons Hall, 8 Park Lane, Parktown


Meeting Dates: 4th Monday Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov Inst Jul


Contact 072 381 3017


Please also visit the Lodge Web Site


Lodge History

The lodge was formed to foster closer and fraternal ties between pharmacists who are freemasons. The name reflects the connection between the ancient 'science' of alchemy, the forerunner of chemistry and the modem art of pharmacy. The Consecrating Chaplain, W Bro Leslie Wheal, said in his oration: 'Alchemy cannot transform base metals into precious ones nor can Freemasonry convert base souls into noble ones but our constant endeavor "every day to begin the task anew", like the purifying flame of the alchemist's crucible, may ultimately enable us to attain that state where we shall "remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them."

The lodge had the rare privilege of being consecrated by the Grand Secretary, RW Bro James Stubbs, who visited Alchemy again in 1980. A senior founder, W Bro Alf Reichenberg, a mason for many years, was to serve the lodge in several capacities until shortly before his death in 1986.

The lodge has always met at Freemasons' Hall in Parktown. Its progress has been one of mixed fortunes, with the membership being adversely affected by transfers, emigration and resignations and this has meant that the intention of the founders to have and maintain a strong pharmaceutical presence in the lodge has yielded to a widening of the basis of membership. But the current membership, although small, is enthusiastic and hopefully the lodge can be rebuilt to a position of strength, while retaining links with the pharmaceutical community.

Reference: 'A Century of Brotherhood' by A A Cooper & D E G Vieler